“A catalyst is something that enables a reaction to create change at a faster rate of speed than would otherwise be possible,” Darren Sloniger said under a white tent and over the din of construction noise coming from another apartment complex under way on the next block. “We really believe that’s whats happening here today.”

The word is significant because it’s the name of Sloniger’s new development. Catalyst Houston is set to rise from a downtown block along Texas Avenue between Austin and LaBranch.

Slongier, president of the Chicago-based Marquette Cos., was joined at the ceremony by downtown officials and real estate professionals involved in the project.

“The building is coming at a time when people are changing their lifestyle patterns,” said architect Scott Ziegler of Ziegler Cooper, which designed the aluminum and glass clad tower. See renderings of the project here.

A strong economy, increased traffic and a population influx has driven high-density residential development across the inner city.